MEMORIAL SERVICE TO PAY RESPECT TO CREW OF CRASHED LANCASTER BOMBER ON ANNIVERSARY

Salford residents are invited to pay their respects on the 78th anniversary of the Lancaster Bomber crash in Pendlebury.

A service will take place on Sunday 31 July at Agecroft Cemetery in Langley Road, Pendlebury to honour the seven-man crew of the Lancaster Bomber PB304 and the two local residents who were killed on July 30, 1944 when the plane went down following an aborted bombing run during the Second World War.

The bomber was part of No. 106 Squadron conducting a raid at Cahagnes in Normandy, France to support the allied invasion but cloud cover blocking the target meant that the aircraft had to circle overhead, facing intense anti-aircraft fire from the German forces.

The crew were told to return home to their base at RAF Metheringham, Lincolnshire and were conducting a wide sweep via Blackpool when it lost height over Pendlebury and in attempting to land on the Littleton Road playing fields, crashed on the bank of the River Irwell.  In addition to instantly killing the crew, the crash resulted in injuries to 70 civilians on the ground, with two residents later dying of their injuries.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety said:

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"The Salford Bomber crash is a significant moment in our city's history and we should always take the time each year to remember the crew who gave their lives to protect this country and we will never forget them."

A memorial stone is in Agecroft Cemetery to remember the crew, which includes Pendlebury resident Raymond Barnes.

The Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust will be holding the service at 11am. The short service will be followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to speak with Joseph Bamford, the author of the book 'The Salford Lancaster.'